Sport

SWINDON TOWN: Bittersweet day for Devera

First published
in Sport
by Andy Warren, Deputy sports editor, awarren@swindonadvertiser.co.uk, @AndyWarren_

JOE Devera was a proud man as he captained Swindon Town for the first time, but was frustrated not to be able to lead his side to all three points.

In the absence of suspended regular skipper Alan McCormack as well as stand-ins Tommy Miller and Simon Ferry, boss Paolo Di Canio opted to hand the armband to Devera for the game against the side second in League One.

The former Barnet man performed well at left-back and also had a good diving header well saved by Gary Woods, but was frustrated his side couldn’t find a winner on what was a proud day for him personally.

“It was a good moment for me to captain Swindon because it is a big club,” he said.

“I found out half an hour before the game and I was really pleased, because I didn’t know I was going to do it.

“I captained Barnet for half a season, so I just treated it as a normal game.

“In some respects a felt a bit more responsibility, but I didn’t let that get into my head at all.

“They only got into our box three times and the rest of the time we were in their half, so it was pretty frustrating.”

Devera is happy to play wherever Di Canio needs him too despite preferring a centre-back spot, but is staying on his toes and not letting himself feel as if he has cemented a first-team spot just yet.

“I am just happy to be playing, and although I am happy to be in the team it is not my preferred position,” he said.

“I had a good five game run at centre half and it was a good run, but I wouldn’t say I have cemented my spot yet.

“I have worked hard and got myself playing again so I want to keep it.

“You need to get your head down and keep working and not let things get to you.”

Comments (7)

He has been really good in the last few games. I expect he will have to stay at left back as Jay out till next year and Bessone won't be anywhere near the starting 11 soon if not at all.

He has been really good in the last few games. I expect he will have to stay at left back as Jay out till next year and Bessone won't be anywhere near the starting 11 soon if not at all.Ollie Reed's Parky dance!

If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.

If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.Oi Den!

Oi Den! wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.

I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.

[quote][p][bold]Oi Den![/bold] wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.[/p][/quote]I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.the wizard

Oi Den! wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.

I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.

Troy is making the bench, but with ward starting every week, he just isn't considered consistent enough to start, with devera, mac and flint in front of him in the pecking area

[quote][p][bold]the wizard[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Oi Den![/bold] wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.[/p][/quote]I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.[/p][/quote]Troy is making the bench, but with ward starting every week, he just isn't considered consistent enough to start, with devera, mac and flint in front of him in the pecking areaold town robin

Oi Den! wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.

I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.

Troy is making the bench, but with ward starting every week, he just isn't considered consistent enough to start, with devera, mac and flint in front of him in the pecking area

We are lucky to be able to bench a central defender of Troy`s ability i.m.o.but I hope Ward stays and keeps his place in the starting eleven.

[quote][p][bold]old town robin[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]the wizard[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Oi Den![/bold] wrote:
If all our players were as dependable as Devera we'd be top of the table now. Based on the season so far he would be second only to De Vita in my Player of the Year ratings. Two cracking professionals and both underrated by PDC - judging by his team selections and substitutions.[/p][/quote]I'd say you have that about right Den. What has happened to Troy, seems to have vanished all together.[/p][/quote]Troy is making the bench, but with ward starting every week, he just isn't considered consistent enough to start, with devera, mac and flint in front of him in the pecking area[/p][/quote]We are lucky to be able to bench a central defender of Troy`s ability i.m.o.but I hope Ward stays and keeps his place in the starting eleven.umpcah

umpcah,
Ward has been brilliant. old style defender, no fuss, no frills no fluff ups. I also hope we can keep him, not just as a player but very valuable as a mentor towards younger players with skills and attitude.

umpcah,
Ward has been brilliant. old style defender, no fuss, no frills no fluff ups. I also hope we can keep him, not just as a player but very valuable as a mentor towards younger players with skills and attitude.the wizard